Name: Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil (for greasing bowl); 3 quarts water; 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling); 1 whole egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water, for egg wash); Coarse sea salt (for topping); ½ tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour; ½ cup milk; 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 53 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of biting into warm, pillowy goodness dipped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, you are going to fall in love with this Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic soft pretzel, crafted into perfectly bite-sized pieces that are unbelievably soft on the inside with that slightly crisp, golden crust on the outside. Paired with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that’s bursting with flavor, these pretzel bites transform any snack time or gathering into an unforgettable taste adventure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white square dish with a dark blue rim filled with many small, golden brown pretzel bites, each showing a soft texture with a shiny, salted surface. In the dish, near the top center, there is a small metal cup holding a smooth, creamy orange cheese sauce. A woman's hand reaches from the left side, picking up one pretzel bite, highlighting its slightly crisp outside. Surrounding the dish is a white marbled surface, with a wooden rolling pin on the right, a metal scoop filled with white flour near the bottom right, and a wooden board with shredded yellow cheddar cheese at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making these irresistible pretzel bites and their creamy cheese companion is easier than you think because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s building the perfect chewy texture or creating that luscious, cheesy dip.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for softness.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the yeast activate.
Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
Unsalted butter (melted): Imparts richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
Kosher salt: Essential for flavor and for sprinkling on top for that classic pretzel finish.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, balancing structure and chewiness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough from sticking while rising and makes handling easier.
Baking soda: Creates the signature pretzel crust when boiled in water.
Egg (beaten with cold water): Gives the pretzels a glossy, golden exterior.
Coarse sea salt: Adds crunch and that authentic savory bite on top.
Butter (for the cheese sauce): A creamy base that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
Flour (for the cheese sauce): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the cheese sauce.
Cheddar cheese (grated): The star ingredient in the sauce, lending sharp, melty goodness.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, brown sugar, yeast, and melted butter in your stand mixer’s bowl, using the dough hook to blend them smoothly. Let this mixture rest for 5 minutes — this wake-up call for the yeast is what ensures your dough will rise delightfully fluffy.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Next, add the salt and gradually incorporate the flour. Knead on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium until the dough turns smooth and pulls away from the bowl, signaling it’s perfectly developed. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour one tablespoon at a time. Finish molding it into a smooth ball by hand to work the texture.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Oil a bowl with vegetable oil and roll the dough in it, ensuring it’s coated well to prevent drying out. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm — patience is key here as it doubles in size over about an hour.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, prepare a large pot with 3 quarts of boiling water and carefully stir in baking soda. This water bath will give your pretzel bites that iconic chewy crust and deep color during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Boil the Pretzel Bites

Divide your risen dough into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a 22-inch rope before cutting them into one-inch bites. Boil these bites in batches, about 15 at a time, for 30 seconds. This step may sound unusual, but it’s crucial — it’s what makes the exterior perfectly chewy and the flavor signature to pretzels.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Lay the boiled bites on a cooking-spray-coated baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch so they bake evenly. Brush them generously with egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until beautifully golden brown and alluringly aromatic.

Step 7: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

While the pretzel bites finish baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and fold in grated Cheddar cheese until silky and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This rich sauce is pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest just a moment before serving. Dip them generously into your warm, cheesy sauce, and prepare for a snack experience that will have everyone coming back for more!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a small, golden-brown pretzel bite that is being dipped into a round, black bowl filled with smooth and creamy yellow cheese sauce. The bowl sits inside a white rectangular tray with a blue rim, which is filled with more pretzel bites arranged in rows, all showing a shiny, toasted texture. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your pretzel bites with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a grind of black pepper on the cheese sauce can also elevate the flavor profile in a subtle but memorable way.

Side Dishes

While these pretzel bites stand proud on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw adds balance and a nice contrast to the richness. For something heartier, a bowl of steaming tomato soup or a fresh veggie platter provides a lovely complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your snack table shine by serving these delights in a rustic wooden board topped with small bowls of the cheddar cheese sauce, spicy mustard, or even a beer cheese dip. Layering the bites in a colorful basket lined with parchment paper invites a warm, casual vibe perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from losing their soft freshness, avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these pretzel bites freeze beautifully. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to a month and thaw quickly when you want a quick snack.

Reheating

For the best texture after freezing or storing, reheat pretzel bites in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms them through and brings back that crisp outside layer you loved. Reheat the cheddar cheese sauce gently on low heat with a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared to invest a little extra elbow grease, kneading until the dough is smooth and stretchy, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Is it necessary to boil the pretzel bites before baking?

Yes, boiling in the baking soda water is what creates the classic pretzel texture and color. Skipping this step will result in more bread-like bites without that distinct chewy crust.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese for another type?

Definitely! While Cheddar offers a wonderful sharp flavor, try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend with mozzarella if you prefer a milder or creamier cheese sauce.

How can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends formulated for yeast baking, though the texture will differ slightly. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I serve instead of cheddar cheese sauce?

If cheese sauce isn’t your thing, honey mustard, spicy mustard, or even a garlic herb butter make fantastic dipping options that pair beautifully with soft pretzel bites.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe from scratch is a wonderfully rewarding way to bring comfort and joy to your snack time. The process might surprise you with how simple it actually is, and the results are nothing short of magical. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these delightful bites that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!